BRUSSELS: The incoming Italian Commissioner has caused anger among some MEPs with his conservative views on the role of women in society and on homosexuality.
Speaking in the European Parliament yesterday, Mr Rocco Buttiglione, Commissioner-designate for Justice, Freedom and Security, spent much of his time defending his social views.
He received a frosty reception for his thoughts on promoting the role of women in society.
"I think we should have a specific project regarding women. I am worried that too few children are being born in Europe," said the father of four.
His view that "the family exists in order to allow women to have children and to have the protection of a male who takes care of them" was greeted with jeers by several MEPs - particularly women.
His opinion of homosexuality saw him fare little better.
"I may think morally that homosexuality is a sin, but this has no effect on politics, unless I say homosexuality is a crime," he said.
One MEP accused him of having refused to sign legislation in Italy on the basis of his moral convictions, while another accused him of having proposed an amendment to the European Charter of Fundamental Rights which would have limited the rights of homosexuals.
He explained his beliefs by saying: "I am engaged in defending the rights of all Europeans." He added:"I am not willing to say that homosexuals are a case apart and that they should be treated different to other Europeans".
In what was one of the most hostile hearings by MEPs, who are interviewing all 24 Commissioners-designate before they start on November 1st, Mr Buttiglione was also upbraided for only attending one quarter of committee meetings when he was an MEP.
"I shall try and be a better member of the Commission," he said and was later caught on camera looking at his watch.
He received less questions than expected about the controversial camps for asylum-seekers in north Africa - something which he has been strongly pushing in recent weeks.
But speaking about the idea, which is being discussed at EU-level, he said: "I did not propose concentration camps, I proposed centres for humanitarian relief."